Prof. Netanel Lindner’s work unveils a phase in which the motion of particles at the edge of the system is chiral, despite complete localization in the bulk of the system.
The quantum shift is the next frontier of scientific research. The coming technological shift is set to be as momentous as the invention of the microprocessor.
The Technion Center for Quantum Science, Matter, and Engineering will be officially inaugurated at Technion in June 2016 at the Mark and Diane Seiden International Symposium on Quantum Science, Matter, and Engineering hosted by the Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute. The Technion Quantum Center is envisioned to encompass all nanotechnology research areas which deal with science in the quantum arena.
A recent breakthrough in the ongoing worldwide effort to harness quantum technologies was recently made by Physics Prof. David Gershoni, who was awarded a 2015 ERC Advanced Grant. Gershoni and his team managed to construct a deterministic source of special quantum states of photons called cluster states, following a theoretical proposal by Prof. Netanel Lindner and his colleague Prof. Terry Rudolph. Gershoni’s preliminary demonstration, which was made using a device based on semiconductor quantum dots, represents a major milestone in quantum technology research: a deterministic source of these quantum states offers an efficient route for performing quantum computations with photons. As such, Gershoni’s device may have revolutionary potential for technological applications as well as to our fundamental understanding of quantum systems.
A new paper published in Physical Review X by Prof. Netanel Lindner of the Faculty of Physics is also putting the power of quantum mechanics to work. Lindner is investigating unique phases of matter which arise when a quantum system is subjected to an external oscillating drive. Lindner shows that in such a non-equilibrium setting, conventional relationships among topology, disorder, and quantum mechanics are drastically altered. His work unveils a phase in which the motion of particles at the edge of the system is chiral, despite complete localization in the bulk of the system. In equilibrium, such a situation is strictly impossible. Beyond its scientific importance, this novel quantum phase of matter has the potential to serve in future applications of quantum technologies, such as ultra-precision current standards.
Additional global Technion activities in the quantum field include a research collaboration program with Waterloo University supported by the Gerald Schwartz and Heather Reisman Foundation, and an agreement with Würzburg University to hold five annual symposia supported by the Reinhard Frank Foundation.
